Dr. Jane Goodall

In July 1960, at the age of 26, Jane Goodall traveled from England to what is now Tanzania, Africa and ventured into the little-known world of wild chimpanzees.

Equipped with little more than a notebook, binoculars, and her fascination with wildlife, Jane braved a realm of unknowns to give the world a remarkable window into humankind’s closest living relatives. She has not only shown us the urgent need to protect chimpanzees and other animals from extinction; she has also redefined species conservation to include the needs of local people and the environment through the Jane Goodall Institute. 

Today she travels the world, speaking about the threats facing chimpanzees and other species along with environmental issues, urging each of us to take action on behalf of all living things and the planet we share.

Roots & Shoots was founded by Jane Goodall, DBE in 1991, with the goal of bringing together youth from preschool to university age to work on environmental, conservation and humanitarian issues.
The organization has local chapters in over 140 countries with over 8000 local groups worldwide that involve nearly 150,000 youth.Many of the chapters operate through schools and other organizations. Participants are encouraged to identify and work on problems in their own communities affecting people, animals, or the environment. Charity Navigator, has awarded Roots & Shoots and its parent non-profit organization, the Jane Goodall Institute, its highest four-star rating for accountability and transparency with 78.1% of its expenses going directly to programs.

• Website: www.rootsandshoots.org